Online configurator to simplify planning photovoltaic installations. It allows users to create multiple projects for their installations, including roofs and freestanding structures. Thanks to features such as installation location, obstacle identification, and precise layout planning before ordering, users can obtain accurate calculations of the installation's efficiency.
TIMEFRAME
04.2021 - 06.2021
TOOLS
Figma
Clickup - project management
Google Meets - interviews and testing
DISCIPLINE
UX research
UX design
User tests
Support development
RESPONSIBILITIES
The project originated from a configuration file and database created in Excel. This was our client's initial solution for analyzing the demand for construction elements needed in photovoltaic installations.
Without dedicated software to gather every project and match it with technical requirements from the client's engineer, collecting all necessary construction elements was quite challenging.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a need to automate the process of preparing projects and allow potential clients to do this on their own. This coincided with a period of increasing PV sales in Poland.
We began by preparing scenarios for different user types:
The main process of preparing a project for PV installation was divided into separate scenarios. Using high-fidelity wireframes, it was tested by a focus group comprising individuals with various roles in the BAKS company. We conducted interviews by presenting the Figma prototype and using the "Wizard of Oz" methodology.
All pages were initially prepared in 1366x768 resolution. This decision was made because most users on our client's side were working on laptops with varying resolutions. When we inquired, we found that most didn't have Full HD displays. Therefore, we chose the second most popular resolution in 2021 to ensure the Figma prototype was accessible to the majority of users. Our scope included focus only on Desktop version.
After validating each scenario and flow for UX, I began preparing the complete configurator views. I recommended using the Ant design system for several reasons: our developers were already familiar with this framework, its library offered numerous ready-to-use components, and it allowed me to streamline the design process. Our primary focus was on functionality and reliability. We knew we could polish the UI later, and Ant Design was an good choice for future customization or restyling.
